Strong Journey

"THE BEST DAY EVER!" I hope you are able to say, more often than not, "This is the best day ever!"  My grandson, Noah, is frequently heard saying this very thing.  Finding joy in the simple events, like Uncle Jon's surprise pirate party, that can make a spectacular day is a childlike behavior we should never outgrow. I pray that this upcoming week you have many days that can be claimed as some of your best ever!  As you continue with your physical conditioning it is my hope that you find a sense of fun in getting into shape.  Set aside the fears you might have in others watching your efforts, instead, put a smile on your face and the words, "This is the best day ever" in your heart.  Allow others to be impacted by your actions and give yourself the privilege of realizing that what you are doing is truly amazing! Keep up the GREAT work!!!!! Lean Protein:     Eggs     Tuna     Chicken breast     Halibut ...

I have heard it more than once that people are having a difficult time coming up with meals that are "tasty".  If you have a recipe that you particularly like please post it here. I am so very impressed with the effort so many of you are putting into this journey.  I am truly thankful and blessed to be here with you ;-) My favorite Carb breakfast: Small baked sweet potato with 2 scrambled egg whites and a side of steamed zucchini.  Salt and pepper and you have a nutrition packed breakfast that lasts all morning.

One of my students is really struggling.  His progress report is covered in F's as missing work piles up.  Conferences with him, his Mom, and other teachers has brought little to no change.  To say that this is frustrating is an understatement!  His response to our most recent conversation where offers of extra help was perhaps the most discouraging yet.  The suggestion of a tutor and time to work on assignments at school was met with a response that he didn't need help.  He said that he isn't struggling!  What?  How could he not see the mess he is in?  What will it take for change to occur and progress to begin?   It was difficult for me to contain my response as my head was screaming, "You are heading towards the point of no return and you're in absolute denial!" As I thought about it I have to admit that I have done the same thing in one way or another. Being in a position of need and turning help away because of pride is so incredi...

I hope you have had a GREAT week and are looking forward to moving ahead into week 3!  You will notice that the exercises look familiar, which is what I am hoping. There are more reps but moves that you should now be comfortable/familiar with.  If you are consistent in doing them you WILL see progress!!!!  I look forward to hearing how you are doing. We'll go through the carb cycle with this list of foods for 2 more weeks and then we'll move on to a more sustainable cycle/food program. Lean Protein:     Eggs     Tuna     Chicken breast     Halibut     Lean Turkey breast     Lean steaks     Lean Ground beef     Beans Complex Carbohydrates w/starch:     Brown Rice     Corn Tortilla     Baked potato     Yams/Sweet potato     Oatmeal Complex Carbohydrates w/out starch     Spinach     Kale     Ce...

I walked into a Starbucks awhile back and was greeted by an extremely friendly young man.  The usual, "How are you?" was said by him and the predictable, "Fine" by me was the initial exchange.  He told me that he was glad I was doing well to which I responded, "What would you do if I said I wasn't okay?"  His reply took me back, made me think, and has followed me since that day. With a huge smile he said, "Well, I would ask what I could do to make it better!"  What a concept!  Doing what one could to make a stranger's day better - I wanted to be that quick to think like that! It's fair to say that we all like to think of others and help where we can but our own desires get in the way.  The thought of being intentional in this came to mind the other day when I was wanting to eat foods I shouldn't.  The concept of combating such temptation with thinking of others needs over my wants turned a moment of temptation into a time of pra...

At the beginning of each track season I would go around my classroom and invite the students, one by one, to join the team.  Often I would hear the response, "I can't run", to which I would reply, "can you throw?"  The teams increased in size each year with a variety of talents, shapes and sizes.  One student inparticular will forever be embedded in my heart.  His name is Chance. Chance was an exceptionally large 7th graders, with a high pitched voice, and an awkwardness that set him apart.  The greatest quality about this young man was his heart, I'm pretty sure it was made of gold.  His initial response to the track invitation was that he didn't think he could do it.  After further conversation he said that he would talk to his Grandparents and let me know if they said yes.  He came back the next day with a huge smile and the okay from his family!  I was excited for him but hopeful too that I had not set him up for failure.   T...

It can be so hard to maintain a healthy relationship with food, technology, exercise, etc.  We live in a society that bombards us with so many choices and we can, and do, get sucked into the belief that more is better.   As we move into our 3rd day I wanted to remind us all that portion size and eating in moderation is essential to our success.  I like to use a salad plate for my meals to help keep me from piling on too much food.  Use the palm of your hand as measurement for protein.  Once we include carbs make it part of your routine to look up the measurement before you scoop to make sure that you know exactly how many you are consuming.   It is our goal to gain a healthy relationship with food!   You are already better today than you were yesterday - Keep up the great work!

Welcome to a 6 month journey towards a finish line that is sure to change your life! I was talking to my 7 year old, 2nd grade, granddaughter about school and the subjects that are easy and hard for her. She said that she really likes math but doesn't always get it.  She then pointed her little finger at me and went on to explain that she just isn't good at math - yet! Her teacher has successfully placed in the minds of her students the power of yet! The belief that with persistence and the willingness to try success will eventually come brings a sense of hope and a reason to keep trying. The same is true for you.  What might seem impossible today will turn into the possible tomorrow if you just give it time and determine to never give up - You just aren't where you want to be - yet! In 1997 I ran my first marathon, which turned out to be a horribly wonderful life changing experience.  For years I had admired those who trained to run that seemingly impossible distan...